So you’ve won a boat! What now?

Mater Prize Home lottery No. 268 comes with your very own Sea Ray 260 Sundancer sports cruiser boat!

Located in Mountain Creek on the desirable Sunshine Coast, you’ll be able to moor this beauty at your very own pontoon. You’ll be the envy of your neighbours as you board your luxurious home away from home. Your new boat is large enough to entertain friends and family—and intimate enough for a romantic getaway.

You’re the captain now

The first thing you need to do is get your boat licence. Obtaining your licence is made easy by enrolling in an accredited training course. There are several BoatSafe trainers on the doorstep of Mountain Creek and the best way to find one that suits you is to visit www.qld.gov.au/transport/boating/licences/boatsafe/.

Once you’re licensed and ready to cruise; the only concern you’ll have is deciding whether you head north or south.

Things to do from Mooloolaba and beyond

Get familiar with your back yard! As you set sail from your pontoon in the Mooloolah River, make your way to Mooloolaba Wharf before heading south. Cruise around Point Cartwright as you make your way to Bribie Island. Woorim Beach is perfect for a casual swim, or to throw a line in. Surf fishing is popular here, so imagine what you might catch off the back of your boat! Back on board; follow the island around till you find yourself at Sandstone Point Hotel. A premiere venue on the island, Sandstone Point Hotel regularly hosts concerts by both local and international artists, music festivals and events. Arrive in style as you pull up and berth your Sundancer!

How about Noosa?

Alternatively, head north after leaving home and reach the crystal clear waters of Noosa. Known for its pristine beaches, coupled with glamorous shopping and a vibrant dining scene, Noosa offers something for everyone. With plenty of mooring options, you can step off your boat to wander along Hastings Street where you’ll find a plethora of dining possibilities plus unique gift stores, art galleries and upmarket fashion labels. Alternatively, stay on board and wind your way along the Noosa River where you can take a dip in the cool welcoming waters, or take advantage of the renowned fishing location. Throw a crab pot off the side of your boat and you might just nab yourself a Queensland Mud Crab! Whether it’s a family outing, fun with friends or a romantic sunset cruise, you’ll feel like you’re a celebrity floating around Noosa in your Sundancer.

Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks

A little further afield and you could find yourself travelling south to Moreton Island, the third largest sand island in the world. Approximately 32 nautical miles (or 59 kilometres) from Mooloolaba, anchor at the Tangalooma Wrecks for a day of snorkelling fun. Deliberately sunk in 1963, the 15 vessels are rich with tropical fish and coral, and the occasional turtle. Snorkelling is made easy off the back of your boat’s expansive swim platform.

Cruise to World Heritage Listed Fraser Island

Looking for a bit more adventure? Why not set sail for Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Once you cruise past Double Island and take in the wondrous coloured sands of the Rainbow Beach cliffs, you’ll come to the notorious Wide Bay Bar. Wait for favourable conditions to cross this stretch, and once you’ve navigated across you’ll find plenty of flat water sailing along the Great Sandy Straight. Fraser Island is a mecca of adventure activities. Your swimming options are endless as you choose between over 100 unspoiled lakes found on the island. Take a trek through ancient rainforests or toboggan down mountainous sand dunes, and make sure you visit the famous Maheno shipwreck.  If you time your trip with whale watching season, make the passage from Fraser Island to Hervey Bay, the whale watching capital of Australia.

Watch the weather forecast

Whichever adventure you choose, before you leave, always check weather conditions. Bad weather can not only spoil your voyage but can quickly turn your day out into a disaster. Learn more about understanding weather conditions by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology’s marine weather knowledge centre http://www.bom.gov.au/marine/knowledge-centre/.

Get cruising

Wherever you go, you’ll find an abundance of mooring options to be able to refuel, that also provide power and amenities such as showers and laundry facilities.

The world is your oyster! Enjoy becoming a member of the boating community; a lifestyle many dream of, and if you win the latest Mater Prize Home lottery, you’ll get to experience.